Power banks are classified as miscellaneous dangerous goods in Class 9 of the International Air Transport Association’s Dangerous Goods Regulations. These items typically contain lithium batteries, which are unstable and can easily cause safety incidents due to improper handling or environmental changes (such as temperature and pressure variations).
A power bank is a portable device that can be carried around and stores electrical energy, primarily used to charge handheld mobile devices (such as smartphones, laptops, etc.), especially suitable for use in situations without an external power source.
Power bank
HS Code: 8507600090
Dangerous Goods Category: Class 9
UN Number: UN3480 / UN3481
Export Method: LCL sea shipping, full container ( general cargo / DG ), air freight
Documents and Certification
An MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) must be provided, which is a comprehensive regulatory document regarding chemical properties.
A UN38.3 test report is required, including tests for altitude simulation, temperature testing, vibration, shock, external short circuit, crushing or impact, as well as overcharging and forced discharge scripts.
If the power bank contains lithium batteries, it must bear the UN3480 / UN3481 label or a fireproof label.
Note: The identification report is the main basis for determining whether dangerous goods packaging certification is needed; most power banks do not require such certification.
Packaging and Labeling
According to the United Nations “Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods Model Regulations” and the “Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods Manual of Tests and Criteria,” the transport packaging for power banks must comply with UN number 3480 ( Lithium-ion battery packs ) packaging inspection regulations.
For pure battery products with a power not exceeding 100Wh, a fireproof label must be affixed to the outer box or product, and a marine transport certification report is required.
For pure battery products with a power exceeding 100Wh, in addition to the aforementioned documents and labels, an additional UN label and Class 9 hazardous materials label are also required.
Customs and Transportation Requirements
The export of power banks must also comply with the regulations set by customs and transportation departments, including labeling and packaging requirements. They can be exported via air or sea transport.
In international logistics transportation, how to determine whether a power bank is classified as dangerous goods?
If the rated energy of a single battery exceeds 20Wh, or the rated energy of a battery pack exceeds 100Wh, it is classified as dangerous goods. Since power banks belong to battery packs, we need to determine based on their specific rated energy. When certain power banks have a rated energy below 100Wh, they can be handled as ordinary goods; however, when their rated energy exceeds 100Wh, they must be treated as dangerous goods.
1. For small batch international express delivery, international air transport and international consolidated shipping, there is no need to provide documents related to batteries for arrangement.
2. If the rated energy of the power bank exceeds 100Wh and it is being transported in an international full container load (FCL), all relevant documentation and hazardous materials certificates must be fully prepared.
